Image forming apparatus, method, and computer-readable storage medium for forming images on recording media such as paper having different sizes

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus is provided with a storage unit for storing setting information including at least a size of a substitute recording medium, and a processing unit for executing a print instruction by automatically changing a size of a recording medium to be used to the size of the substitute recording medium based on the setting information stored in the storage means, when the size of the recording medium specified by the print instruction is not available.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present continuation application claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. 120 to application Ser. No. 10/768,023, filed Feb. 2,2004, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/023,707,filed Dec. 21, 2001 and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.119 from Japanese Application No. 2000-391315, filed on Dec. 22, 2000and from Japanese Application No 2001-380453, filed on Dec. 13, 2001,the entire contents of application Ser. No. 10/023,707, application Ser.No. 10/023,707 and Japanese Application Nos. 2000-391315 and 2001-380453are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to image forming apparatuses,image forming methods and computer-readable storage media, and moreparticularly to an image forming apparatus which is provided with afunction of forming images on recording media such as paper havingdifferent sizes, an image forming method for forming images on recordingmedia such as paper having different sizes, and a computer-readablestorage medium which stores a computer program for setting settinginformation for use by such an image forming method.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Image forming apparatuses include printing apparatuses, copyingmachines, facsimile machines, composite apparatuses having multiplefunctions, and the like which are provided with at least a function ofprinting an image on a recording medium such as paper. Of such imageforming apparatuses, there is an image forming apparatus having aconstruction which enables papers of a plurality of different sizes tobe set simultaneously. In the case of the image forming apparatus havingsuch a construction, a user can specify a paper size to be used forprinting data and instruct the printing, depending on the size of thedata to be printed, such as characters and images, the kind of the datato be printed, and the user's needs. For example, in the case of aprinting apparatus, the user specifies the paper size to be used withrespect to the printing apparatus from a host unit such as a personalcomputer. In the case of a copying machine, the user specifies the papersize to be used from an operation panel of the copying machine.

The need for the printing using different paper sizes is increasing dueto expanding work on the international scale and the increasingvarieties of printed materials. For example, when creating a document ina first country for use in a second country, the document may be printedon a paper size which is commonly used in the second country but not inthe first country. In addition, when the user acquires a PDF file from aWeb site on the Internet, there are cases where the printing can only bemade on a paper size which is specified by the Web site. Accordingly, itis becoming increasingly important to be able to print on various papersizes.

However, particularly in an image forming apparatus which is frequentlyused, the paper set in the image forming apparatus easily runs out. Forthis reason, when the user instructs the printing to the image formingapparatus, the paper having the paper size specified by the printinstruction may have run out in the image forming apparatus. When thepaper of the specified paper size has run out, the print job isinterrupted and the printing must wait until the paper of the specifiedpaper size is supplied and set in the image forming apparatus.

In addition, when different paper sizes are set in the image formingapparatus in a state where the paper of each paper size is accommodatedwithin a corresponding cassette, and the number of cassettes that may beset in the image forming apparatus is small, the possibility that thecassette which accommodates the paper of the specified paper size is notset in the image forming apparatus when the print instruction is sent tothe image forming apparatus increases. When the cassette whichaccommodates the paper of the specified paper size is not set in theimage forming apparatus, the print job is interrupted and the printingmust wait until the cassette which accommodates the paper of thespecified paper size is set in the image forming apparatus.

When the paper of the specified paper size runs out in the conventionalimage forming apparatus, the print job is interrupted and the printingmust wait until the paper of the specified paper size is supplied andset in the image forming apparatus. In addition, when the cassette whichaccommodates the paper of the specified paper size is not set in theimage forming apparatus, the print job is interrupted and the printingmust wait until the cassette which accommodates the paper of thespecified paper size is set in the image forming apparatus. For thisreason, there was a problem in that it is impossible to carry out theprinting efficiently.

Moreover, since the printing using the specified paper size cannot bemade until the paper of the specified paper size is supplied or thecassette which accommodates the paper of the specified paper size is setin the image forming apparatus, the user or the operator must quicklysupply the paper of the specified paper size or set the cassette whichaccommodates the paper of the specified paper size. As a result, therewas a problem in that the load on the user or the operator is large.

Furthermore, when a plurality of print jobs are generated sequentiallyand one print job is interrupted, the subsequent print jobs must waituntil the interrupted print job ends. Hence, there was a problem in thatthe processing efficiency of the sequential print jobs is extremelypoor.

When the paper size specified by the user is not available in the imageforming apparatus, the user may wish to print on another paper sizewhich is available in the image forming apparatus. But in this case, theuser must cancel the interrupted print job and then issue a new printinstruction which specifies another paper size or, instruct a change ofthe specified paper size with respect to the interrupted print job, andthen restart the printing. Consequently, the load on the user is largein that various operations must be made by the user, and there is aproblem in that the printing cannot be made efficiently. Particularlywhen one print job is cancelled in a state where a plurality of printjobs are generated sequentially, the subsequent print jobs will beexecuted first, and the reinstructed print job will be executedthereafter, thereby causing a delay in executing the reinstructed printjob. In addition, even if another paper size is specified, there is noguarantee that this other paper size is available in the image formingapparatus, and the same situation described above will occur and thesame operations described above will be required if the paper of thisother paper size is not available in the image forming apparatus. Inthis case, it is even more difficult to carry out the printingefficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to providea novel and useful image forming apparatus, image forming method andcomputer-readable storage medium, in which the problems described aboveare eliminated.

Another and more specific object of the present invention is to providean image forming apparatus, an image forming method and acomputer-readable storage medium, which enable corresponding measures tobe set in a case where a specified recording medium size is notavailable when carrying out a printing, so as to reduce the load on auser or operator, and to carry out the printing efficiently, so thatprint jobs can be executed with a high processing efficiency even if aplurality of print jobs are generated sequentially.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an imageforming apparatus comprising storage means for storing settinginformation including at least a size of a substitute recording medium,and processing means for executing a print instruction by automaticallychanging a size of a recording medium to be used to the size of thesubstitute recording medium based on the setting information stored inthe storage means, when the size of the recording medium specified bythe print instruction is not available. According to the image formingapparatus of the present invention, it is possible to enablecorresponding measures to be set in a case where a specified recordingmedium size is not available when carrying out a printing, so as toreduce the load on a user or operator, and to carry out the printingefficiently, so that print jobs can be executed with a high processingefficiency even if a plurality of print jobs are generated sequentially.In addition, it is possible to carry out the printing efficiently evenwhen the specified recording medium size is not available, by printinginformation on the recording medium of the substitute recording mediumsize, without requiring the user to be aware of the situation.

In the image forming apparatus, the setting information may includewhether or not a zoom is required when printing information, and/or aprinting position on the recording medium. In this case, it is possibleto arbitrarily set in advance the conditions in which the substituterecording medium is to be used.

The image forming apparatus may further comprise means for storing thesetting information in the storage means in response to an externalsetting instruction from outside. In this case, the setting informationcan be registered from an external host unit or the like.

The image forming apparatus may further comprise means for notifying tothe outside when the size of the recording medium specified by the printinstruction is not available or when corresponding setting informationis not stored in the storage means, together with information indicatingan available size of the recording medium, so as to request the settinginstruction. In this case, the substitute recording medium size isautomatically requested to an external host unit or the like whenneeded, so that the setting information of the substitute recordingmedium can be newly registered or updated without requiring the user tobe aware of such.

The image forming apparatus may further comprise setting means forsetting and storing the setting information in the storage means. Inthis case, the setting information can be set at the image formingapparatus.

In the image forming apparatus, the setting information may be stored inthe storage means in the form of a table. In this case, the settinginformation can be registered in the form of an easily accessible table.

In the image forming apparatus, the processing means may invalidate thesetting information with respect to second and subsequent pages of therecording medium of identical size during one print job. Or, theprocessing means may invalidate the setting information with respect tocorresponding pages of second and subsequent volumes during one printjob when printing a plurality of volumes by a stacking or sortingoperation. In these cases, it is possible to prevent the recordingmedium size from being changed to the substitute recording medium sizeduring one print job.

In the image forming apparatus, the setting information may be stored inthe storage means with respect to each user. This makes it possible tocarry out the printing process efficiently with respect to the printrequests from a plurality of users.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an image formingmethod comprising a reading step reading setting information whichincludes at least a size of a substitute recording medium from storagemeans, and a processing step executing a print instruction byautomatically changing a size of a recording medium to be used to thesize of the substitute recording medium based on the setting informationstored in the storage means, when the size of the recording mediumspecified by the print instruction is not available. According to theimage forming method of the present invention, it is possible to enablecorresponding measures to be set in a case where a specified recordingmedium size is not available when carrying out a printing, so as toreduce the load on a user or operator, and to carry out the printingefficiently, so that print jobs can be executed with a high processingefficiency even if a plurality of print jobs are generated sequentially.In addition, it is possible to carry out the printing efficiently evenwhen the specified recording medium size is not available, by printinginformation on the recording medium of the substitute recording mediumsize, without requiring the user to be aware of the situation.

In the image forming method, the setting information may include whetheror not a zoom is required when printing information, and/or a printingposition on the recording medium. In this case, it is possible toarbitrarily set in advance the conditions in which the substituterecording medium is to be used.

The image forming method may further comprise a registering step storingthe setting information in the storage means in response to an externalsetting instruction from outside. In this case, the setting informationcan be registered from an external host unit or the like.

The image forming method may further comprise a step notifying to theoutside when the size of the recording medium specified by the printinstruction is not available or when corresponding setting informationis not stored in the storage means, together with information indicatingan available size of the recording medium, so as to request the settinginstruction. In this case, the substitute recording medium size isautomatically requested to an external host unit or the like whenneeded, so that the setting information of the substitute recordingmedium can be newly registered or updated without requiring the user tobe aware of such.

The image forming method may further comprise a setting step setting andstoring the setting information in the storage means. In this case, thesetting information can be set at the image forming apparatus.

In the image forming method, the setting information may be stored inthe storage means in the form of a table. In this case, the settinginformation can be registered in the form of an easily accessible table.

In the image forming method, the processing step may invalidate thesetting information with respect to second and subsequent pages of therecording medium of identical size during one print job. Or, theprocessing step may invalidate the setting information with respect tocorresponding pages of second and subsequent volumes during one printjob when printing a plurality of volumes by a stacking or sortingoperation. In these cases, it is possible to prevent the recordingmedium size from being changed to the substitute recording medium sizeduring one print job.

In the image forming method, the setting information may be stored inthe storage means with respect to each user. This makes it possible tocarry out the printing process efficiently with respect to the printrequests from a plurality of users.

Another object of the present invention is to provide acomputer-readable storage medium which stores a computer program forcausing a computer to print information on a recording medium inresponse to a print instruction, the computer program comprising areading procedure causing the computer to read setting information whichincludes at least a size of a substitute recording medium from storagemeans, and a processing procedure causing the computer to execute aprint instruction by automatically changing a size of a recording mediumto be used to the size of the substitute recording medium based on thesetting information stored in the storage means, when the size of therecording medium specified by the print instruction is not available.According to the computer-readable storage medium of the presentinvention, it is possible to enable corresponding measures to be set ina case where a specified recording medium size is not available whencarrying out a printing, so as to reduce the load on a user or operator,and to carry out the printing efficiently, so that print jobs can beexecuted with a high processing efficiency even if a plurality of printjobs are generated sequentially. In addition, it is possible to carryout the printing efficiently even when the specified recording mediumsize is not available, by printing information on the recording mediumof the substitute recording medium size, without requiring the user tobe aware of the situation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide acomputer-readable storage medium which stores a computer program forcausing a computer to print information on a recording medium inresponse to a print instruction, the computer program comprising aregistering procedure causing the computer to register settinginformation which includes at least a size of a substitute recordingmedium to be used when a size of a recording medium specified by theprint instruction is not available. According to the computer-readablestorage medium of the present invention, it is possible to carry out theprinting efficiently even when the specified recording medium size isnot available, by printing information on the recording medium of thesubstitute recording medium size, without requiring the user to be awareof the situation.

The computer-readable storage medium may store the computer program withrespect to one of a computer within a host unit which outputs the printinstruction with respect to an image forming apparatus and a computerwithin the image forming apparatus which prints the information on therecording medium. In this case, the setting information can beregistered from the host unit or the image forming apparatus.

Other objects and further features of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing an embodiment of an imageforming apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a specifying table;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when setting aspecifying table of a user from a host unit;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when settingthe specifying table of the user from the host unit;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when settingthe specifying table of the user from the host unit;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when settingthe specifying table of the user from the host unit;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when settingthe specifying table of the user from the host unit;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when settingthe specifying table of the user from the host unit;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing setting data supplied from the host unit toa printing apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when setting aspecifying table of a user at the printing apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when settingthe specifying table of the user at the printing apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when settingthe specifying table of the user at the printing apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when settingthe specifying table of the user at the printing apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when settingthe specifying table of the user at the printing apparatus;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a menu at a processing stage when settingthe specifying table of the user at the printing apparatus;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a user ID input menu;

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a user ID input transferred to theprinting apparatus; and

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explaining a printing process for a filewhich is transferred from the host unit to the printing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A description will be given of each embodiment of an image formingapparatus according to the present invention, an image forming methodaccording to the present invention, and a computer-readable storagemedium according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing an embodiment of the imageforming apparatus according to the present invention. This embodiment ofthe image forming apparatus employs an embodiment of the image formingmethod according to the present invention and an embodiment of thecomputer-readable storage medium according to the present invention. Inthis embodiment, the present invention is applied to a printingapparatus. For the sake of convenience, in the following description, acase will be described where paper is used as a recording medium onwhich data (hereinafter referred to as image data) such as charactersand images are printed.

In FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 1 is connectable to a host unit 3, suchas a server, via a network such as a LAN and WAN. In this embodiment, adescription will be given of a case where the printing apparatus 1 isconnected to the host unit 3 via a network 2, but the printing apparatus1 may of course be connected to the host unit 3 via other connectingmeans such as centronics, 1394, USB. The host unit 3 has a knownstructure including a CPU 4, a storage unit 5 which may be providedinternally or externally to the host unit 3, and an input/output unit 6.The input/output unit 6 includes an input unit such as a keyboard and amouse, and an output unit such as a display unit. For example, the hostunit 3 may be formed by a known personal computer. When issuing a printinstruction to the printing apparatus 1, the host unit 3 outputs to thenetwork 2 by a known method the data (image data) such as characters andimages which are to be printed, and data (paper size data) whichspecifies the paper size to be used for the printing. When outputtingthe print instruction, the host unit 3 may also output user data relatedto the user of the host unit 3.

The printing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, adisplay/operation unit 103, a printer section (printer engine) 104, acompressing/expanding unit 105, an interface (I/F) section 106, a datastorage unit 107, a memory 108, an image forming unit 109, a decipheringunit 110, a disk unit 111, a nonvolatile (NV) RAM 112, paper supplytrays 121, paper sensors 122, paper size detectors 123, paper ejecttrays 125, paper sensors 126, full detectors 127, and a bus 200.

The CPU 101 forms a processing unit for controlling various parts of theprinting apparatus 1 according to a computer program which is stored inthe ROM 102. The display/operation unit 103 includes a display unit fordisplaying messages and various data such as the states within theprinting apparatus 1, and an operation unit for inputting instructionsand the like to the printing apparatus 1. For the sake of convenience,the display/operation unit 103 in this embodiment is formed by atouch-panel which integrally includes the display unit and the operationunit, but the display unit and the operation unit may be providedindependently or, an operation unit may be provided in addition to atouch-panel.

The I/F section 106 receives the print instruction, the image data andthe paper size data from the host unit 3 via the network 2, which arethen temporarily stored in the memory 108. In a case where the receivedimage data and the like are compressed, the image data and the like areexpanded in the compressing/expanding unit 105 before being stored inthe memory 108. In addition, in a case where the received image data andthe like are enciphered, the image data and the like are deciphered inthe deciphering unit 110 before being stored in the memory 108.

The image forming unit 109 develops the image data stored in the memory108 into a data format, such as bit-map data, which can be output by theprinter section 104, and outputs the developed image data to the printersection 104. The image forming unit 109 also includes a function ofchanging a zoom (magnification or reduction) rate, a zero position (ororigin) and the developing start position of the image data, dependingon an instruction from the CPU 101. In a case where the image datareceived from the host unit 3 already have a data format which can beoutput by the printer section 104, it is of course unnecessary todevelop the image data in the image forming unit 109.

The printer section 104 prints the image data which are developed by theimage forming unit 109 and stored in the memory 108 on paper having apaper size which is dependent on the paper size data, in response to aninstruction from the CPU 101. A printing system employed by the printersection 104 is not limited to a particular system, and the systems suchas the electrophotography system and the ink jet system may be employed.

The paper supply trays 121 are constructed so that paper of a pluralityof different paper sizes can be set thereon. The paper supply trays 121may be constructed to accommodate paper of different paper sizes whichare accommodated within corresponding cassettes, that is, constructed toreceive the cassettes which are set therein. The paper supply trays 121have a known construction for supplying to the printer section 104 thepaper of the paper size which is dependent on the paper size data, inresponse to an instruction from the CPU 101. The paper sensors 122detect the existence of different paper sizes or, detect that theremaining amounts of the different paper sizes have become less than apredetermined amount, and notify the existence or remaining amount tothe CPU 101. The paper size detectors 123 detect the different papersizes which are set, and notify the detected paper sizes to the CPU 101.In other words, the usable or available (hereinafter simply referred toas “usable”) paper sizes are detected by the paper size detectors 123,and the paper sizes which have run out or have a small remainingquantity are detected by the paper sensors 122.

The printed paper output from the printer section 104 is ejected to thepaper eject trays 125. The paper eject trays 125 have a knownconstruction for stacking or sorting the paper in response to aninstruction form the CPU 101. The paper sensors 126 detect the existenceof the paper ejected to the paper eject trays 125, and notify theexistence to the CPU 101. The full detectors 127 detect a state wherethe amount of ejected paper has reached a maximum tolerable amount inthe corresponding paper eject trays 125, and notify the detected stateto the CPU 101.

In this embodiment, the data storage unit 107 is provided with the diskunit 111 and/or the NVRAM 112, and stores a specifying table which willbe described later. The data storage unit 107 may be formed by any kindof recording medium or storage device as long as it is possible to storethe specifying table. In addition, it is possible to store thespecifying table in the memory 108 if the memory 108 includes anonvolatile memory portion, and in this case, the data storage unit 107may be omitted.

The basic structure itself of the printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1is known, and other known basic structures may be used as long as theprinting apparatus 1 is provided with a storage means capable of storingthe specifying table in a modifiable manner.

The specifying table records the substitute paper sizes to be used whenthe specified paper sizes to be used to print the image data are notusable, whether the printing is to be made with or without the zoom whenprinting the image data, the printing position of the image data on thepaper, and the like, with respect to each user.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the specifying table. Forthe sake of convenience, FIG. 2 shows setting information with respectto three users who are identified by user IDs. The setting informationin this particular case includes the substitute paper size and whetheror not the zoom is required. For example, with respect to the user ID“00000001”, the setting information indicates that the substitute papersize A4 is used when the paper size LT is not usable, without the zoomas indicated by “x” when using the substitute paper size A4. Inaddition, the setting information also indicates that the substitutepaper size A4 is used when the paper size B5 is not usable, with thezoom as indicated by “o” when using the substitute paper size A4, andthat the substitute paper size A3 is used when the paper size B4 is notusable, with the zoom as indicated by “o” when using the substitutepaper size A3. The substitute paper size and whether or not the zoom isrequired do not need to be set for all of the paper sizes.

In FIG. 2, only one substitute paper size is set with respect to eachpaper size. However, it is possible to set two or more substitute papersizes with respect to one or more paper sizes. In this case, it ispossible to record the setting information in the specifying table sothat a substitute paper size B4 is used when a paper size A4 is notusable, and a substitute paper size A3 is used when even the substitutepaper size B4 is not usable, for example. In addition, it is possible toset whether or not the zoom is required, with respect to each suchsubstitute paper sizes. Furthermore, it is possible to set in thespecifying table the printing position on the paper where the image datais to be printed. The printing position can be controlled by determiningthe developing start position or the zero position, for example.

In a case where the substitute paper size is smaller than the specifiedpaper size, the zero point is not changed, and the image data is printedafter reducing the image data depending on a reduction rate between thespecified paper size and the substitute paper size. In a case where thereduction rate between the specified paper size and the substitute papersize can be described by an integer ratio, it is possible not to reducethe image data and to print the image data without changing size using anumber of sheets of paper depending on the integer ratio. For example,if the specified paper size is B4 and the substitute paper size is B5,it is possible to print the image data in two sheets of paper having thesubstitute paper size B5. Accordingly, when the two sheets of printedpaper are arranged side by side, it is possible to obtain approximatelythe same image data as when the printing is image on a single sheet ofpaper having the specified paper size B4. It is possible to similarlyrecord in the specifying table the number of sheets of paper to be useddepending on the reduction rate, with respect to the substitute papersize.

The specifying table may be provided with respect to each user. In thiscase, the data storage unit 107 may store a user table which records thestorage locations (addresses) of the specifying tables corresponding toeach of the users. The user table may be created by executing a usertable creating program stored in the ROM 102 by the CPU 101 when thespecifying table of a new user is created. Of course, the user tablecreating program may be stored in the disk unit 111, for example. Inaddition, it is not necessary to provide the specifying table withrespect to all of the users, and it is possible not to provide thespecifying table with respect to each user not wishing to use asubstitute paper size or, to provide a table which records each user notwishing to use a substitute paper size.

The specifying table may be set from the host unit 2 by operating thekeyboard or the like of the input/output unit 6 of the host unit 3 or,set at the printing apparatus 1 by operating the operation/display unit103 of the printing apparatus 1. In addition, the setting contents mayall be input to the specifying table from the start or, the settingcontents may be input by changing default setting contents which are setin advance in a default specifying table, so as to form the specifyingtable.

FIGS. 3 through 8 are diagrams showing menus (display screens) displayedon the display unit of the input/output unit 6 at various processingstages when setting the specifying table of the user to the printingapparatus 1 from the host unit 3. For the sake of convenience, adescription will be given of a case where the user of the host unit 3sets the specifying table by inputting all of the setting contents fromthe start with respect to the printing apparatus 1 having an apparatusname “Printer1”.

In the menu shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus names of the printingapparatuses which are connectable to the host unit 3 are displayedtogether with the apparatus information (model name). The user selectsthe apparatus name “Printer1” by selecting the “↑” or “↓” button byclicking the mouse, for example, and determines the selection byselecting the “select” button. As a result, the menu switches to themenu shown in FIG. 4.

In the menu shown in FIG. 4, the user is urged to input the user ID, andthe user operates the keyboard or the like to input the user ID“00000001”, for example, and then determines the selection by selectingthe “OK” button. As a result, the menu switches to a setting menu forsetting the substitute paper size and whether or not the zoom isrequired, with respect to each paper size.

FIG. 5 shows a state where the substitute paper sizes (substitute sizes)and whether or not the zoom is required, are set with respect to thepaper sizes LT and B5 in such a setting menu. When the “add” button isselected in this menu, the menu switches to the menu shown in FIG. 6,and it becomes possible to set the substitute paper size and whether ornot the zoom is required, with respect to the added paper size. The“change” button is selected when changing the set contents, and the“delete” button is selected when deleting the set contents.

FIG. 6 shows a state where the substitute paper size A4 and the printingwith the zoom are set with respect to the paper size B5 in the menu.When the “OK” button is selected in this state, the setting with respectto the paper size B5 is determined.

The menu shown in FIG. 7 is displayed when the paper size is free, andthe substitute paper size is set to a fixed size such as A4 as shown.When the “OK” button is selected in this state, the menu shown in FIG. 8is displayed to urge the user to input the free paper size, that is, thehorizontal and vertical sizes. When the “OK” button is selected afterinputting the free paper size, the input free size is determined.

By making the setting described above, the setting data shown in FIG. 9,for example, are supplied from the host unit 3 to the printing apparatus1. In the printing apparatus 1, the specifying table shown in FIG. 2 isset by the CPU 101 with respect to the user ID “00000001” and stored inthe data storage unit 107. In FIG. 9, “00000001”, “00000002” and“00000003” indicate the user IDs. For example, “LT-A40” indicates thatthe substitute paper size for the paper size LT is A4 and the printingis to be made without the zoom (“0”), “B5-A 41” indicates that thesubstitute paper size for the paper size B5 is A4 and the printing is tobe made with the zoom (“1”).

FIGS. 10 through 15 are diagrams showing menus (display screens)displayed on the display unit of the display/operation unit 103 atvarious processing stages when setting the specifying table of the userat the printing apparatus 1. For the sake of convenience, a descriptionwill be given of a case where the user having a user ID sets thespecifying table corresponding to this user ID, with respect to theprinting apparatus 1, by changing the default setting contents which areset in advance in the default specifying table, that is, by carrying outa setting data conversion. A conversion log is stored in the datastorage unit 107, for example. Of course, some or all of the defaultsetting contents may be blank before the user inputs the desired settingcontents.

The menu shown in FIG. 10 urges the user to input the user ID, and afterthe user inputs the user ID “00000001”, for example, the input isdetermined by selecting the “OK” button. As a result, the menu switchesto the menu shown in FIG. 11, in which the default setting contentsrelated to the substitute paper size and whether or not the zoom isrequired with respect to each paper size, can be changed.

FIG. 11 shows the menu a state where the substitute paper sizes andwhether or not the zoom is required are set with respect to the papersizes LT and B5. The user selects the paper size with respect to whichthe default setting contents are to be changed, by selecting the “↑” or“↓” button. When changing the default setting contents with respect tothe paper size LT, the “OK” button is selected in the menu shown in FIG.11. As a result, the menu switches to the menu shown in FIG. 12.

When the “change” button is selected in the menu shown in FIG. 12, themenu switches to the menu shown in FIG. 13. When the “OK” button isselected in the menu shown in FIG. 13, the changes to the defaultsetting contents with respect to the paper size LT are determined, andthe menu switches to the menu shown in FIG. 14. In the menu shown inFIG. 14, the substitute paper size can be changed by selecting the “↑”or “↓” button. When the “OK” button is selected in the menu shown inFIG. 14, the substitute paper size after the change is determined, andthe menu switches to the menu shown in FIG. 15. Whether the printing isto be made with or without the zoom can be changed by selecting the “↑”or “↓” button in the menu shown in FIG. 15. The zoom selection after thechange is determined by selecting the “OK” button in the menu shown inFIG. 15.

By making the setting described above, the specifying table shown inFIG. 2 is set by the CPU 101 with respect to the user ID “00000001” andstored in the data storage unit 107, based on the setting data inputfrom the display/operation unit 103.

FIGS. 16 through 19 are flow charts for explaining the operation of thisembodiment. The processes shown in FIGS. 16 through 19 are carried outwhen the printing operation of the printing apparatus 1 is started at atiming which will be described later.

In FIG. 16, when the printing operation of the printing apparatus 1 isstarted based on the print instruction from the host unit 3, a step 401checks the usable (or available) paper sizes and the paper sizes withremaining amounts less than a predetermined amount, based on the outputsof the paper sensors 122 and the paper size detectors 123. A step 402reads the image data to be printed by the print job and the specifiedpaper size from the memory 108, based on the print instruction. A step403 decides whether or not the specified paper size is one of the usablepaper sizes, and the process advances to a step 404 if the decisionresult is NO, and the process advances to a step 413 if the decisionresult is YES.

The step 404 checks a counted value of a used paper counter which countsthe number of sheets of paper used in units of jobs for each paper size.The used paper counter itself is known. When realizing the used papercounter by a software counter, the counting is made under the control ofthe CPU 101, for example, and the counted value is stored in the memory108, for example. Of course, it is possible to provide a hardwarecounter exclusively for use as the used paper counter. A step 405decides whether or not the printing with respect to the same paper sizeis the first time (that is, first page of the same paper size) withinthe present print job, and the process advances to a step 406 if thedecision result is NO, and the process advances to a step 421 shown inFIG. 18 if the decision result is YES. The step 406 reads the conversionlog of the setting data within the present print job from the datastorage unit 107 and checks the conversion log. A step 407 decideswhether or not the conversion log exists, and the process advances to astep 408 shown in FIG. 17 if the decision result is NO, and the processadvances to a step 428 shown in FIG. 18 if the decision result is YES.

A description will be given of the reason why the step 405 decideswhether or not the printing with respect to the same paper size is thefirst time (that is, first page of the same paper size) within thepresent print job. It is not desirable for the specified paper size tochange to the substitute paper size during one print job. Accordingly,in this embodiment, measures are taken so that the same specified papersize or the same substitute paper size is used throughout one print job.In other words, the setting contents which are set in the specifyingtable are treated as being invalid with respect to the second andsubsequent pages of the same paper size during one print job. Similarly,during the printing of a plurality of copies (volumes) by carrying out astacking or sorting operation within one print job, the setting contentswhich are set in the specifying table are treated as being invalid withrespect to the corresponding pages of the second and subsequent copies(volumes). The step 404 counts the number of sheets of paper used foreach paper size, because in the case of a duplex printing which printson both sides of the paper, it is unnecessary to make the even-numberedpages the subject of the decision in the step 405.

In FIG. 17, the step 408 makes an error display and error notificationwith respect to the display/operation unit 103. A step 409 decideswhether or not the paper of the specified paper size is supplied and aforced printing is possible, and the process advances to a step 410 ifthe decision result is NO, and the process advances to a step 416 if thedecision result is YES. The step 410 decides whether or not the usermade a print job reset instruction (cancel instruction) from thedisplay/operation unit 103, and the process advances to a step 411 ifthe decision result is NO, and the process ends if the decision resultis YES.

The step 411 checks the usable paper sizes and the paper sizes withremaining amounts less than a predetermined amount, based on the outputsof the paper sensors 122 and the paper size detectors 123. A step 412decides whether or not the error has been resolved, and the processreturns to the step 409 if the decision result is NO, and the processadvances to the step 416 if the decision result is YES.

When the step 412 decides whether or not the error is resolved, it ispossible to forcibly end the process or, to make the decision result inthe step 408 YES, if the number of errors exceeds a predetermined valueor a predetermined time elapses after the step 408 is carried out, so asto forcibly print on the paper of the usable paper size.

The step 416 develops the image data to be printed in the memory 108 bythe image forming unit 109, and a step 417 prints the image dataamounting to one page on the paper of the specified paper size by theprinter section 104. A step 418 decides whether or not a next pageexists, and the process returns to the step 401 shown in FIG. 16 if thedecision result is YES, and the process ends if the decision result isNO.

On the other hand, in FIG. 16, the step 413 decides whether or not theprint job is related to a duplex printing, and the process advances to astep 414 if the decision result is YES, and the process advances to astep 415 if the decision result is NO. The step 414 decides whether ornot the printing page is the front page (first side) or the odd-numberedpage, and the process advances to the step 415 if the decision result isYES, and the process advances to the step 416 shown in FIG. 17 if thedecision result is NO. The step 415 increments the counted value of theused paper counter in units of jobs by one, and the process advances tothe step 416 shown in FIG. 17.

In FIG. 18, the step 421 searches for a target user ID included in theprint instruction, from the user table stored in the data storage unit107. A step 422 decides whether or not the target user ID exists in theuser table, and the process advances to a step 423 if the decisionresult is NO, and the process advances to a step 427 if the decisionresult is YES. The step 423 decides whether or not a server (not shown)connected to the network 2 is registered in a storage unit such as thedata storage unit 107 as a reference server, and the process advances toa step 424 if the decision result is YES, and the process advances to astep 426 if the decision result is NO. For example, the reference servermay be the host unit 3.

The step 424 searches for the target user ID from a user tableregistered in the storage unit of the reference server. A step 425decides whether or not the target user ID exists in the user tablewithin the reference server, and the process advances to the step 426 ifthe decision result is NO, and the process advances to the step 427 ifthe decision result is YES. The step 426 decides whether or not adefault specifying table is stored in the data storage unit 107, and theprocess advances to the step 427 if the decision result is YES, and theprocess returns to the step 408 shown in FIG. 17 if the decision resultis NO. The step 427 decides whether or not a substitute paper size to beused for the printing is registered in the specifying table, and theprocess advances to a step 428 if the decision result is YES, and theprocess returns to the step 408 shown in FIG. 17 if the decision resultis NO. The step 428 decides whether or not the paper of the substitutepaper size is usable in the printing apparatus 1, based on the outputsof the paper sensors 122 and the paper size detectors 123, and theprocess advances to a step 429 shown in FIG. 19 if the decision resultis YES, and the process returns to the step 408 shown in FIG. 17 if thedecision result is NO.

In FIG. 19, the step 429 decides whether or not information indicatingthat the printing is to be carried out with zoom is registered in thespecifying table, and the process advances to a step 430 if the decisionresult is YES, and the process advances to a step 431 if the decisionresult is NO. The step 430 develops the image data in the memory 108with the registered zoom (zoom rate) by the image forming unit 109, andthe process advances to a step 432. On the other hand, the step 431develops the image data in the memory 108 without zoom by the imageforming unit 109, and the process advances to the step 432.

The step 432 decides whether or not the print job relates to a duplexprinting, and the process advances to a step 433 if the decision resultis YES, and the process advances to a step 434 if the decision result isNO. The step 433 decides whether or not the page to be printed is thefront page (first side) or the odd-numbered page, and the processadvances to the step 433 if the decision result is YES, and the processadvances to the step 417 shown in FIG. 17 of the decision result is NO.The step 434 increments the counted value of the used paper counter inunits of jobs by one, and the process advances to the step 417 shown inFIG. 17.

The step 411 shown in FIG. 17 may check and notify to the host unit 3the usable paper sizes and the paper sizes with remaining amounts lessthan a predetermined amount, based on the outputs of the paper sensors122 and the paper size detectors 123, so that the information input bythe user in response to this notification is reflected to the specifyingtable. In other words, the menu shown in FIG. 5 may be displayed on thedisplay unit of the input/output unit 6 of the host unit 3 to notify theusable paper sizes and urge the user to input the substitute paper sizesand the zoom if required, and when the substitute paper sizes and thezoom are input, the specifying table may be generated from the inputinformation or the default specifying table may be updated based on theinput information. Accordingly, even when the specified substitute papersize cannot be used in the printing apparatus 1 or, the specifying tableis not generated or, the substitute paper size is not registered in thespecifying table, it is possible to quickly carry out the printing atthe printing apparatus 1. In addition, it is possible to generate orupdate the specifying table if necessary when sending the printinstruction to the printing apparatus 1, without making the user beaware of the generation of the specifying table.

When the printing is carried out using the paper of the substitute papersize, it is of course possible to indicate this printing which uses thesubstitute paper size on the display/operation unit 103 or, on thedisplay unit of the input/output unit 6 of the host unit 3.

Next, a description will be given of the printing process, by referringto FIGS. 20 through 23. When carrying out the printing process, it ispossible, for example, to print a file of the image data prestoredwithin the printing apparatus 1, and to print the image data which issent to the printing apparatus 1 from the host unit 3.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining the printing process for a casewhere the file of the image data is prestored in the memory 108 or thedata storage unit 107 of the printing apparatus 1. In FIG. 20, in a step301, the user selects from the input/output unit 6, a file of the imagedata to be printed, of files prestored within the printing apparatus 1.In a step 302, the user inputs the user ID as a password, for example,on a user ID input menu shown in FIG. 21. Hence, a user ID input shownin FIG. 22 is transferred from the host unit 3 to the printing apparatus1, and the user ID “00000001” is transferred in this particular case.After authentication of the password, the user operates the input/outputunit 6 in a step 303, so as to input a change in the number of outputcopies (volumes) of the file, a change in the after-process and thelike, and then instructs the printing of the selected file.

After the step 303, steps 304 through 306 which are surrounded by adotted line in FIG. 20 are carried out in the printing apparatus 1. Thestep 304 reads the image data of the selected file amounting to one pagefrom the memory 108 or the data storage unit 107, and develops the imagedata by the image forming unit 109. The step 305 stores the developedimage data in the memory 108. The step 306 decides whether or not a nextpage of the file exists, and the process returns to the step 304 if thedecision result is YES. On the other hand, if the decision result in thestep 306 is NO, the process advances to the printing operation describedabove in conjunction with FIGS. 16 through 19 by starting from the step401 shown in FIG. 16, at a timing which is instructed from the host unit3 or determined by the printing apparatus 1.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explaining the printing process for a casewhere the file of the image data to be printed is transferred from thehost unit 3 to the printing apparatus 1. In FIG. 23, a step 201 decideswhether or not the print instruction is a first print instruction whichinstructs the printing at a timing determined by the printing apparatus1, and the printing apparatus 1 carries out steps 211 through 213surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 23 if the decision result is YES.The step 211 stores in the memory 108 or the data storage unit 107 theimage data of the file transferred from the host unit 3 together withthe print instruction, reads the image data amounting to one page, anddevelops the image data by the image forming unit 109. The step 212stores the developed image data in the memory 108. The step 213 decideswhether or not a next page of the file exists, and the process returnsto the step 211 if the decision result is YES. On the other hand, if thedecision result in the step 213 is NO, the process advances to theprinting operation described above in conjunction with FIGS. 16 through19 by starting from the step 401 shown in FIG. 16, at a timing which isdetermined by the printing apparatus 1.

If the decision result in the step 201 is NO, a step 202 decides whetheror not the print instruction is a second print instruction whichprestores the file of the image data in the memory 108 or the datastorage unit 107 of the printing apparatus 1 and thereafter prints thefile when the printing of this file is selected. If the decision resultin the step 202 is YES, the above described steps 211 through 213 arecarried out in the printing apparatus 1, and a print instruction whichinstructs printing of the prestored file as in the case shown in FIG. 20is waited.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step 202 is NO, a step203 decides whether or not the print instruction is a third printinstruction which instructs storing of the file and the printing of thefile at a timing instructed from the host unit 2. If the decision resultin the step 203 is NO, it is judged that the print instruction is afourth print instruction which instructs printing of the file at atiming instructed from the host unit 3, and steps 204 through 206surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 23 are carried out in the printingapparatus 1.

The step 204 stores in the memory 108 or the data storage unit 107 theimage data of the file transferred from the host unit 3 together withthe print instruction, reads the image data amounting to one page, anddevelops the image data by the image forming unit 109. The step 205prints the developed image data by the printer section 109. The step 206decides whether or not a next page of the file exists, and the processreturns to the step 204 if the decision result is YES. The step 205carries out the printing operation described above in conjunction withFIGS. 16 through 19 by starting from the step 401 shown in FIG. 16, at atiming which is instructed from the host unit 3.

If the decision result in the step 203 is YES, steps 207 through 210surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 23 are carried out in the printingapparatus 1. The step 207 stores in the memory 108 or the data storageunit 107 the image data of the file transferred from the host unit 3together with the print instruction, reads the image data amounting toone page, and develops the image data by the image forming unit 109. Thestep 208 prints the developed image data by the printer section 109. Thestep 209 stores the printed image data in the memory 108 or the datastorage unit 107. The step 210 decides whether or not a next page of thefile exists, and the process returns to the step 207 if the decisionresult is YES. The step 208 carries out the printing operation describedabove in conjunction with FIGS. 16 through 19 by starting from the step401 shown in FIG. 16, at a timing which is instructed from the host unit3.

In each of the embodiments described above, the present invention isapplied to a printing apparatus. However, the application of the presentinvention is not limited to the printing apparatus, and the presentinvention is similarly applicable to image forming apparatuses having,at least a function of printing images on recording media such as paper.Such image forming apparatuses include copying machines, facsimilemachines, and composite apparatuses provided with multiple functions(multi-function apparatuses).

In addition, the computer-readable storage medium which stores thecomputer program for realizing the present invention is not limited to aparticular type of media, and various types of recording media may beused, including magnetic recording media, optical recording media,magneto-optical recording media, and semiconductor memory devices. Inaddition, the computer program may be acquired via transmission media.

Further, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments butvarious variations and modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: areceiving unit configured to receive image data and a first recordingmedium size; a determining unit configured to determine whether there isa recording medium having a size matching the first recording mediumsize accessible to the image forming apparatus; and an image formingunit configured to form an image of the image data, the image havingbeen divided so that different portions of the image that are less thanan entirety of the image are formed on a plurality of recording mediahaving a second recording medium size smaller than the first recordingmedium size, without changing a size of the image, wherein the imageforming unit forms the image in response to a determination by thedetermining unit that there is no recording medium having the firstrecording medium size accessible to the image forming apparatus, whereinthe second recording medium size is 1/N the first recording medium size,where N is a natural number greater than or equal to two, and whereinthe image forming unit forms the different portions of the image atpredetermined positions on the N recording media having the secondrecording medium size so that, when the N recording media having thesecond recording medium size are arranged side by side, the image formedby the N recording media is the same as the image that would be formedon a single recording medium having the first recording medium size. 2.The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: astorage unit configured to store recording medium sizes of the recordingmedia accessible to the image forming apparatus.
 3. The image formingapparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second recording mediumsize is registered in advance and prestored in the storage unit.
 4. Theimage forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: asupply unit configured to accommodate a plurality of recording mediahaving different sizes, wherein the determining unit determines whetherthe supply unit accommodates the recording medium having the firstrecording medium size.
 5. The image forming apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising: a setting unit configured to set whether ornot the image forming unit forms the image by forming the differentportions of the image on the N recording media having the secondrecording medium size.
 6. An image forming method for forming images onrecording media in an image forming apparatus, comprising: receiving, bythe image forming apparatus, image data and a first recording mediumsize; determining, by a determining unit of the image forming apparatus,whether a recording medium having the first recording medium size isaccessible to the image forming apparatus; and forming, by an imageforming unit of the image forming apparatus, an image of the image data,the image having been divided so that different portions of the imagethat are less than an entirety of the image are formed on a plurality ofrecording media having a second recording medium size smaller than thefirst recording medium size, without changing a size of the image,wherein the forming is executed in response to a determination by thedetermining that there is no recording medium having the first recordingmedium size accessible to the image forming apparatus, wherein thesecond recording medium size is 1/N the first recording medium size,where N is a natural number greater than or equal to two, and whereinthe image forming unit forms the different portions of the image atpredetermined positions on the N recording media having the secondrecording medium size so that, when the N recording media having thesecond recording medium size are arranged side by side, the image formedby the N recording media is the same as the image that would be formedon a single recording medium having the first recording medium size. 7.The image forming method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:storing recording medium sizes of the recording media accommodatedwithin the image forming apparatus in a storage unit.
 8. The imageforming method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the storing prestores thesecond recording medium size that is registered in advance in thestorage unit.
 9. The image forming method as claimed in claim 6, whereinthe determining determines whether a supply unit of the image formingapparatus, accommodating a plurality of recording media having differentsizes, accommodates the recording medium having the first recordingmedium size.
 10. The image forming method as claimed in claim 6, furthercomprising: setting whether or not the image forming unit forms theimage by forming the different portions of the image on the N recordingmedia having the second recording medium size.
 11. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having stored therein a program forcausing a computer of an image forming apparatus to form images onrecording media, comprising: receiving image data and a first recordingmedium size; determining whether a recording medium having the firstrecording medium size is accessible to the image forming apparatus; andcontrolling an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus to forman image of the image data, the image having been divided so thatdifferent portions of the image that are less than an entirety of theimage are formed on a plurality of recording media having a secondrecording medium size smaller than the first recording medium size,without changing a size of the image, wherein the image formingapparatus forms the image in response to a determination by thedetermining that there is no recording medium having the first recordingmedium size accessible to the image forming apparatus, wherein thesecond recording medium size is 1/N the first recording medium size,where N is a natural number greater than or equal to two, and whereinthe image forming unit forms the different portions of the image atpredetermined positions on the N recording media having the secondrecording medium size so that, when the N recording media having thesecond recording medium size are arranged side by side, the image formedby the N recording media is the same as the image that would be formedon a single recording medium having the first recording medium size. 12.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as claimed in claim11, further comprising: storing recording medium sizes of the recordingmedia accommodated within the image forming apparatus, including thesecond recording medium size, in a storage unit.
 13. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium as claimed in claim 11, wherein thedetermining determines whether a supply unit of the image formingapparatus, accommodating a plurality of recording media having differentsizes, accommodates the recording medium having the first recordingmedium size.
 14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium asclaimed in claim 11, further comprising: setting whether or not theimage forming unit forms the image by forming the different portions ofthe image on the N recording media having the second recording mediumsize.